Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-16
FASHIONS FANCIES.
DRESS REFORM HEAL,HFUL BUT NOT
AGREEABLE TO THE FAIR ONES.
Jackets for Street wear-zlegantE Evening
Dress Bridal Trousseaux and We'd
ding Fashions-Bustles
Doomed, Etc.

The jackets Tor street wear now seen
ere made in plain or hair-lined ma
terials, and checks have not as yet re-
sumed their popularity for short gar
ments, although the long newmarkets
and ulsters are nearly all made in such
goods. These jackets are made rather
long upon the hips, nearly covering
the largest portion Of the toUnure
in front they are made round, the edges
bound in broad black braid. This
braid, together with corded epaulets
and brandebourgs, form the only gar
niture used. The jackets are usually
made with either one or two turned
lapels below the collar, and the latter
is made high but turned over from the
top. One pocket upon the left breast
and one on each hip complete the gar
ment, which is lined throughout with
plain or striped satin.
DRESS REFORM
is producing designs for what its advo-
Gates style hygienic costumes. They
may be hygienic, but they are certainly
not beautiful and very few women
who have any regard for their appear
ance will adopt them. They are made
as nearly shapeless above the waist as
possible, because intended to be worn
either without corsets or over those
substitutes for cOrsets termed waists.
At the waist they are usually belted.
No tou1nUrc is to be worn, 50 that the
skirt hangs straight all the way
around. The chief object of the
skirt seems to he to cling as
close about the legs as possible, and
this it contrives to do. For some rea-
son. although these robes are designed
TO exhibit women's natural form, they
do not attain the object sought. Put
woman in one of them, and her hips
seem to disappear her waist is very
much enlarged, though this is no bad
feature her bust melts imperceptibly
between her chest and her waist, and
if her lower limbs be any freer they
are certainly, if anything less, en- cdCi-
dcncc than in the ordinary Walking
skiIt. In fact, the whole effect is that
of moving, animated pillar.
For my own part ] think Monsieur
Worth's suggestion of n blouse, short
skirt and knickerbockers would be far
preferable if the outward dress of
women is to be altered mt all. This
change in the outer garments will al
ways be the stumbling block Of dress
reform. Whether it be prejudice or
not, show any lady the most artistic
reform costume and then point ont the
most ordinary nineteenth century walk
ing-dIcss to her and she will instantly
declare the latter the more attractive.
And ladies tCjU have the attractive in
dress.
AN EVENING COSTUME.
A rich and elegant evening costume
is in gobelin-blue velvet, which COM
poses the bodice, and heavy Grecian
drapcry The bodice is made with
corsagc, and IS sleeveless
with the exception of little pulls OF
satin at the shoulders The un4erskirt
is Of crcamy-white satin, embroidered
with floral designs.
The fashionable bridal b'OUsscnN will
include at least one black silk costume,
trimmed with jet, and a
iauniy little black plush wrap, with
feather trimming upon its borders, also
garnished with shining Jet passemen-
terie, goes with it.
FOR WEDDINGS.
AT many fashionable weddings, either
in England or on this side Of the water,
black has been noticed as forming the
costumes of ladies' related to the bride
and groom. It's gloomy significance
seems to be overlooked nowadays.
Formerly black at a wedding was an
omen of woe to the welded pair.
The tulle veil retains its ascendancy,
and except where the lace is an heir
loom of the brides family, it is never
seen now.
Olive-green is stylish color for the
'going-avay gown.
TIE wATIEAU PLATT-BUsTLEs.
Notifications of the Vatican plat are
trimmings for breakfast
gowns and matinees. They are usu-
ally made much fuller than the conven-
tional Vatican" and are shirred on !
TO the back OF the upper portion OF the |
gown so as to form a gathered train.
Bustles are doomed-or so they say. |
In truth it seems as though the days OF |
the excessive fOUrRUrc had already |
passed away. There is still room for |
in this portion OF the !
toilet.
RICH AND COSTLY MATERIAL.
That the comingwinter is to be n sea
son of rich elegant, and costly fabrics |
is already evident. Combinations, in
which .jaiite, MORE, and velvet Ohe |
latter often of the fancy" varieties), |
Or plush, all figures, are quite frequent |
in carriage and reception costumes, |
and, as for evening dresses, they ex-
hibit all the hues of the rainbow, and |
whose elegance and beauty |
The manufacturer Of ten-nay, five
years ago, never thought of in his Wild |
est dreams-gobelin, old pink, serpent, |
al soits OF pale blue tints, azaea and |
sappho, and perruchoe this last being |
q delicate green. The evening tints
are all noticeable for their softness and |
lelicacy. Q. II. NJ.